The 27th human infection in Florida was confirmed Thursday in an elderly Jacksonville-area man who is being pumped with five different antibiotics in an attempt to kill the bacteria, a cousin of cholera.

This killer loves saltwater, meaning you can get infected at beaches, as well as in brackish bodies such as the Indian River.

It infects people two ways: through open wounds and ingestion of tainted seafood, mainly raw shellfish.

Is this new?No. Dr. Jason Sniffen, an infectious-disease specialist at Florida Hospital, said the numbers haven't changed much, but a few recent cases have been catapulted into the news. Sniffen said those with compromised immune systems, liver disease or conditions that require blood transfusions are most at risk, because the bacteria need iron to multiply.

"It's rapidly progressive, destroys tissues and invades the body — it kills muscles, skin, flesh, fatty tissue," Sniffen said, adding that he sees four to six severe cases that require hospitalization each year.

What if I become infected? Sniffen said healthy people can also become infected but typically respond well to antibiotics, so the bacteria are never identified in most cases, he said. People who have compromised immune systems and suspect Vibrio vulnificusinfection should go to a hospital immediately.

What are the symptoms? Ingestion of Vibrio vulnificus — in raw oysters, for example — can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, while an infection through an open wound can lead to skin breakdown and ulcers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bloodstream infections can be fatal in about 50 percent of the cases. The highest risk is faced by people with weakened immune systems.

How many have died in Florida? The highest number of deaths in Florida from Vibrio vulnificus in recent years was 13 in 2011, according to data from the state Health Department. The nine deaths so far this year tie the total for all of 2012.

How did this year's victims die? Of the nine, three victims consumed raw oysters, four were likely exposed to contaminated seawater and in two cases health officials were unable to determine the cause of exposure to Vibrio vulnificus.

One person each died in these counties: Flagler, Glades, Lee, Leon, Monroe, Okaloosa and Walton. Two died in Broward.

The most recent case out of Nassau County involves 79-year-old George Clarke of Yulee, who was infected after being pinched by a crab. Clarke is fighting the illness at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville.

Florida has a reputation for being one of the craziest states in the country and it's not without good reason. We're hit by hurricanes and tornadoes almost every summer, we have the title of being the lightning strike capital of the country and we've got a handful of crazy Florida men and women...